At a townhouse in Edinburgh, there’s a leather workshop visible through the first level’s floor-to-ceiling windows. If they know what to look for, pedestrians passing by on Melville Street might catch a glimpse of the fashion world’s next It Bag or watch as a leather tote is painstakingly restored by hand. Hidden behind the gorgeous Georgian facade is the headquarters of Strathberry, the Scottish accessories brand quietly taking over one handbag at a time.
Though just over 12 years old, the handbag line offers the sort of quality and craftsmanship you’d expect of a heritage brand centuries in the making. The line includes last-forever carry-alls, such as the elegant midi tote, as well as trend-forward styles that effortlessly balance modern and classic sensibilities (get ready to see the Kite Hobo Bag everywhere this fall).
Well-heeled stars like Pamela Anderson, who chose the Mosaic Bag for her Naked Gun junket in July, and Kelly Rutherford, whose mini tote is also an Upper East Side mainstay, are fans. Gen Z cool girls, like Iris Law and Ayo Edebiri, are, too. (They’ve been spotted carrying the Multrees and Charlotte Drawstring, respectively.) The brand is also building major momentum, releasing a new cashmere capsule and free-spirited collab with Cinq à Sept this autumn. Of course, it doesn’t hurt that basically the entire royal family, from Princess Kate to the Duchess of Sussex, Meghan Markle, and Zara Tindall, carry Strathberry purses on repeat.
In short, this is a brand to watch (and definitely shop) this year. Read on for all the details about Strathberry and why its luxury forever bags are well worth investing in.
Meghan Markle, Kate Middleton, and Zara Tindall carrying Strathberry bags.
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The History
Founded by the husband-and-wife team of Guy and Leeanne Hundleby in 2013, Strathberry was born from a soon-to-be brand signature—a bar closure inspired by a vintage music folio—and a commitment to enduring design. “It’s always been our plan to ensure our bags could be carried for generations of the same family,” says Leeanne of the couple’s philosophy. “We never wanted to be a bright neon green bag carrying that would last one summer and then be put in the cupboard gathering dust.”
No shade to neon green, but the timeless approach is working for Strathberry. The company first gained serious traction back in 2017 after Meghan Markle carried a Strathberry tote at her first public engagement with Prince Harry, blowing through inventory while the world couldn’t get enough of their royal love story. Since then, sales have grown steadily as the brand has continued to focus on considered details, balanced silhouettes, and high-quality materials that withstand daily use.
Strathberry’s beloved mosaic bag, in tan with vanilla stitching.
Courtesy of Strathberry
After all, it’s all in the name, Strathberry, which nods to the couple’s shared history and love of craft. Strath means “wide river” in Scots, and -berry references the traditional process of using berries to dye materials and fabrics from the area. Naturally, every bag is designed in Scotland, and the founders remain committed to their streamlined aesthetic, rather than chasing fads.
“It’s probably part of us being here in Edinburgh,” says Guy. “We’re away from the fashion centers and just exist in our own creative space.” The proof? Kate Middleton has been carrying the Multrees Chain Wallet since 2020. And eight years after its first moment in the spotlight, the Sussex-approved Midi Tote remains a top style, now available in embossed croc and deep burgundy.
The Arkshell bag in Strathberry’s workshop.
Courtesy of Strathberry
The Craftsmanship
Designing with longevity in mind is one thing. Creating leather goods that last a lifetime is quite another.
From the outset, the Strathberry founders decided to collaborate with artisans in Ubrique, Andalucia, to execute their vision. This area of Spain is renowned for its impeccable leatherwork, a craft that has been refined and passed down over centuries, making it the ideal second location for Strathberry production. A close partnership with these factories has proven essential to the brand’s quality and value offering.
With each new Strathberry handbag, artisans lovingly translate Salpa maquettes—that’s design-speak for handbag prototypes—sent from Scotland into ready-to-carry purses using only the best leather, suede, and hardware. Put simply, if you’re shopping for a well-made luxury leather good, these are the people you want making it for you. By the numbers? It takes up to 80 pattern pieces of leather and two thousand stitches per handbag—and that’s not counting any special dyes, finishes, or design elements. This attention to detail and commitment to craft is what makes, say, the tan mosaic bag with vanilla stitching worth its $625 price tag.
Strathberry’s hit Kite Bag in suede.
Courtesy of Strathberry
The Appeal
How do you create must-have accessories season after season without sacrificing that heirloom look? That’s the Strathberry magic.
Case in point: the brand’s most recent hit, the Kite Bag. Combining the ideal blend of boho-era flourishes (like chocolate brown suede and cool-girl metallic hardware) with luxury details (such as a belt buckle-style strap and attached interior pouch for valuables), the bag delivers form and function in droves. It can carry a laptop and get you stopped in the street by stylish admirers… Get yourself a bag that can do both.
As Leeanne puts it, “We know what the customer will like. And that stems from having gorgeous silhouettes that will stand the test of time.” Despite its fluid shape (most Strathberry bags land on the structured side of the purse spectrum) and unique hardware, the Kite design is both classic and modern: “I love the noise of it. I love the way we’ve used [the Strathberry music bar], and it’s just really resonated,” she adds.
A model wearing Strathberry cashmere and holding the Tote Bag.
Courtesy of Strathberry
So, what’s next for the handbag brand of choice for British royalty and It girls alike? The brand launched a silk category in 2021 (think: chic scarves to wrap around bag handles), followed by jewelry inspired by the line’s signature hardware in 2022. Most recently, Strathberry cashmere (made in Scotland, of course) debuted earlier this month, dropping online and in stores with soft woven capes, luxurious gloves, and travel wraps for fall.
Plus, there’s always the brand classics in fresh shapes and sizes if you’re craving something new—like the Croc-embossed nano tote in green, a delightful mini version of the famously Meghan and Harry-approved original. It’s as covetable today as it was in 2017—and no doubt, will be for decades to come.